I am searching for a book, not sure when it was written/ published, but my Mom read it in the 1970's or 80's. Also, not sure if it is fiction or non-fiction, but my Mom thinks that it was "...based on a true story..." It is about an American woman around colonial times, who was kidnapped by Native Americans. She has her children separated from her while there and becomes the "Chief's wife." She also gave birth while on the trail to the village and has to be sure that the baby does not cry because the Native Americans will kill the baby. She befriends her captors and stays with them for (?) years and eventually escapes by just walking away from the village. She manages to walk along a river and back to wherever it is she is from, but it takes her (?) months/ years. Along the way she has to survive by killing deer, drying the hides for new clothes, etc. That's about all my Mom could remember... not sure how accurate it is... THANKS!

Just saw your question. The book is "Follow the River" by Thoms (last name). I read it many years ago and the story stays with me.

Thanks so much for answering! I actually finally discovered the book last week w/ my Mom's help and read it in 2 days! I loved it!!
"Follow the River." by James Alexander Thom (1981)

You may like Stephanie Grace Whitson's book. Has a similar story line of being taken by indians and living among them. Walks The Fire I think is the 1st one.